p.1 #1 · Gitzo GT0531 + Really Right Stuff BH-25 Pro
I already have a Gitzo GT2531 with a Really Right Stuff BH-40 head that is, IMO, the perfect rig for my Canon 50D outfit (longest lens is 70-200 f/4 IS plus 1.4x converter). It's light, solid, smooth and classy. It's also gross overkill for my Canon G10. I researched and decided to buy the tiny Gitzo GT0531 3 section 6X tripod and the tiny RRS BH-25 Pro ballhead. The tripod weighs 1.6 lbs and the head only 6.5 ounces (.4 lbs). So together, they weigh about 2lbs even.
I tell ya what. This little rig is so cute that if it had cheeks you'd want to reach out and pinch them while making goo-goo noises. The first picture below shows it with the GT2531 so you can see the relative size.
The second one is an f2.8 closeup of the head & G10 (with not enough DOF!).
The third is the head without the camera. I think the head is PERFECT for this tripod.
p.1 #2 · Gitzo GT0531 + Really Right Stuff BH-25 Pro
That's something to be enthusiastic about. I had a similar setup when I had my G series camera. You can walk around with the collapsed tripod with camera mounted no problem. Use low iso to capture very nice landscapes in dim light. The G10 will deliver great low light images.
p.1 #3 · Gitzo GT0531 + Really Right Stuff BH-25 Pro
Nice. I did something similar with a g1097 basalt, a Kirk clamp, and a Giottos MH-1002, which is similar to the BH-25, but with a panning base. That tripod doesn't have the ground-level-set configuration, so I created my own with a 3/8-16 bolt, a cork, a rubber stopper, and a couple of washers. It ended up considerably more stable than the stock column configuration.
Using a bolt might help with the dangling hook problem, since it's lower profile. In case you want to try, here are a few pics (some are earlier versions, with the column assembly still installed):
I've since built up something similar with a G1128, so the G1097 may be retired, but it's worked out well (and you can't beat the size and weight -- under two pounds, with head and clamp).
p.1 #4 · Gitzo GT0531 + Really Right Stuff BH-25 Pro
That is an excellent suggestion and seems very well done. That said, with THIS tripod I would prefer to leave the center column in. I figure it will be more useful on this tripod than on the GT2531 which is plenty tall enough. I really only pointed out the bad design issue for people it might matter to. It doesn't matter to me because I wouldn't use it even if it did work right.
p.1 #5 · Gitzo GT0531 + Really Right Stuff BH-25 Pro
Gotcha. I was rigging mine up for use with a DSLR on long hikes, so I wanted to build in as much protection against mirror slap as possible. The G10 should be much more tolerant of shooting with the column.
p.1 #8 · Gitzo GT0531 + Really Right Stuff BH-25 Pro
See, this is the wonder of a global culture -- you can mix and match to your heart's content.
A semi-serious tip to anyone who wants to replicate my gadget: if you do the cork insert in a 0-series Gitzo, you may want to put a wrap or two of electrical tape around it to thicken it up, so you can remove the cardboard column sleeve (visible in one of the pics above) for safekeeping. Then again, one of those big fat American corks might fill it out just fine by itself.
I've now done a similar mod to an 1128, though sadly wine corks are too skinny. Rubber stoppers will do the trick. I bet a champagne cork might work, too. There's a joke in there somewhere....
p.1 #9 · Gitzo GT0531 + Really Right Stuff BH-25 Pro
Smiert Spionam wrote:
I've now done a similar mod to an 1128, though sadly wine corks are too skinny. Rubber stoppers will do the trick. I bet a champagne cork might work, too. There's a joke in there somewhere....
There is. If the champagne cork idea works, you're all ready to celebrate.
p.1 #10 · Gitzo GT0531 + Really Right Stuff BH-25 Pro
Michael, how is this setup working for you after a few months of use? I'll be looking for a lightweight hiking/backpacking setup for my Olympus E-P1 once it comes in and the GT0531 + BH-25 + L-plate looks perfect.
